The Sr. Manager of Operational Excellence is a strategic, enterprise‑focused Continuous Improvement (CI) leader responsible for designing, deploying, and sustaining Elbit America's GRIT Operating System. This role drives operational discipline, structured problem solving, and a culture of continuous improvement across all divisions.
The ideal candidate is a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt with demonstrated success in leading enterprise-wide CI initiatives, building capability in others, and coaching leaders at all levels. This leader ensures that continuous improvement is not an event or a project—but a sustainable way of working embedded in daily management and strategic execution.
Key ResponsibilitiesEnterprise CI Leadership & Operating System Deployment• Lead the deployment, maturity, and sustainment of the GRIT operating system across all business units.
• Partner with GRIT Champions to drive culture change and embed CI behaviors that enable long‑term performance improvement.
• Establish and manage enterprise governance for CI, including standard work, audits, maturity assessments, and sustainment plans.
• Align CI activities with company strategy, annual operating plans, and enterprise performance objectives.
Lean, Kaizen & Lean Six Sigma Leadership• Facilitate and coach on Lean tools, DMAIC, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and other CI methodologies.
• Develop internal CI training programs (Lean, Green Belt, problem‑solving) and build the internal CI practitioner pipeline across divisions.
• Mentor employees at all levels in structured problem solving, data‑driven decision making, and operational excellence tools.
Project Execution with GRIT Champions• Identify, prioritize, and qualify CI opportunities aligned with business needs.
• Lead and manage a cross‑functional portfolio of CI projects delivering measurable improvements in cost, quality, delivery, safety, and employee engagement.
• Track, validate, and report CI results and key performance indicators to leadership.
Data Analysis & Performance Insights• Conduct cost‑benefit analyses, ROI modeling, statistical analysis, and data interpretation to guide decision making.
• Present data, insights, and improvement recommendations to leadership, customers, partners, and suppliers.
Communication, Engagement & Change Leadership• Communicate CI progress, success stories, and best practices across the enterprise.
• Lead CI meetings, report‑outs, and engagement events aligned with GRIT deployment.
• Coach leadership teams on Gemba leadership, daily management, and sustainment behaviors.
Education & Experience RequirementsRequired• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Operations, Business, or related field.
• Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
• Minimum 4 years of project management and CI/Operational Excellence experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex CI initiatives across functions or sites.
Preferred• Experience in aerospace, defense, or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience with strategy deployment (Hoshin Kanri), daily management systems, or operating system design.
• Experience leading enterprise‑level CI maturity, governance, or operating system structures.
Skills & Abilities• Excellent written and verbal communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to professionally interact with executives, leaders, and cross‑functional teams.
• Strong analytical and statistical data analysis skills.
• Ability to influence, coach, and develop employees at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to drive change and lead through resistance.
• Deep working knowledge of CI tools (Kaizen, 5S, A3, VSM, Standard Work, Kanban, DMAIC).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and ability to gain cross‑functional buy‑in.
Travel Requirements• Up to 25% travel to Elbit America sites as needed for CI deployment and coaching
Here Are Some of the Great Benefits We Offer: - Most locations offer a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off
- Competitive compensation & 401(k) program to plan for your future
- Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage with qualified wellness discounts
- Basic Life Insurance and Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available
- Flexible Vacation & PTO
- Paid Parental Leave
- Generous Employee Referral Program
- Voluntary Benefits Available: Longer Term Care, Legal, Identity Theft, Pet Insurance, and more
- Voluntary Tricare Supplement available for military retirees
This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not an employment contract. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Elbit America is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
*** If you encounter issues with your application, please email technicalsupport@elbitsystems-us.com***